Tisha Shakya of Patan has been crowned Nepal Telecom Miss Newa: Nepal 1146, taking home the top title at the grand finale held at Nepal Academy Hall, Kamaladi, Kathmandu. Along with the crown, she received a cash prize of NPR 100,000 and added another major recognition by winning the Godawari Municipality Best Nepal Bhasha title.
The Best Nepal Bhasha award came with an additional NPR 10,000 cash prize. In recognition of her achievement and social commitment, Tisha was also appointed a Goodwill Ambassador of the Nepal Cancer Relief Society.
One of Nepal’s longest-running cultural pageants, Miss Newa: Nepal has been organized since 2005 with a focus on celebrating the cultural heritage, ethnic pride, originality and distinctive identity of the Newa community. The competition also aims to strengthen confidence, capability, leadership and empowerment among its participants.
Sarika Maharjan was named First Runner-up and received NPR 50,000, while Jessica Shrestha secured the Second Runner-up position with a cash prize of NPR 25,000.
Talent, Personality and Social Responsibility Recognized
The grand finale also celebrated contestants across several special categories.
Sabnam Shakya won the Miss Talent title, while Himani Pradhan and Karuna Chakradhar finished as First and Second Runner-up, respectively, in the talent category.
In the Social Welfare Ambassador category, Karuna Chakradhar and Shiksha Maharjan were jointly recognized as Social Welfare Ambassador Chiefs. Sarika Maharjan was named First Runner-up and Drishti Maharjan Second Runner-up in the same category.
The pageant was jointly organized by Nepali Fashion Home and Fight for Life Nepal under the leadership of Hema Manandhar.
The finale welcomed Sunita Dangol, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and a former Miss Newa: Nepal, as Chief Guest. Yamuna Devi Shrestha, Member of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly, attended as Special Guest.
Distinguished Jury for Miss Newa: Nepal 1146
Veteran fashion designer Gyani Shova Tuladhar, Founder Principal of Namuna College of Fashion Technology, served as Chief Judge.
The judging panel also included Advocate Laxman Maharjan; Jiweshwor Lal Shrestha, Vice Principal of Namuna College of Fashion Technology; Anil Sthapit, former President of Nepal Lipi Guthi; Rohan Shrestha, media professional, lecturer, entrepreneur and social worker; Sworupa Shrestha, Co-founder and Director of Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center; and Prof. Divya Laxmi Bajracharya, Secretary of the Kathmandu chapter of Nepal Cancer Relief Society.
Fashion Meets Newa Culture
Fashion choreographer and media personality Rojin Shakya choreographed and hosted the competition.
Miss Newa Pralisha Shakya and Miss Newa Social Welfare Ambassador Chief Timila Maharjan served as co-coordinators, while Miss Newa Sakina Maharjan and Krisha Maharjan contributed as coordinators.
The contestants also received cultural and language-focused preparation. Raju Napit served as Nepal Bhasha instructor, while Ganga Maharjan trained participants for the welcoming dance presentation.
The event was presided over by Prof. Dr. Bimala Shakya, Senior Advisor of Fight for Life Nepal and Vice President of the Kathmandu chapter of Nepal Cancer Relief Society.
Contemporary fashion was another highlight of the finale, with contestants appearing in ensembles created by student designers from Namuna College of Fashion Technology. The presentation brought craftsmanship and modern fashion interpretation to a pageant rooted strongly in Newa culture and identity.
Special Award Winners
A wide range of contestants received additional titles during the finale.
Durga Deula was named Miss Discipline, Himani Pradhan won Miss Public Choice, and Pristin Awale received the Best Dress title.
Shiksha Maharjan won the Kanchanjungha Incense Miss Culture title and a cash prize of NPR 10,000.
Nishla Maharjan was crowned Belavita Miss Personality, also receiving NPR 10,000, while Kalasha Awale won the Shree Kesh Best Hair title with a cash prize of NPR 10,000.
Other winners included Drishti Maharjan as Best Skin, Sarika Maharjan as Tasveer Miss Photogenic, Anushka Nakarmi as Miss Smile, Sonia Maharjan as Miss Charming and Regina Bajracharya as Miss Friendship.
Contributors to Fashion and Culture Honored
The program also recognized individuals for their contributions to fashion, media and cultural preservation.
Gyani Shova Tuladhar, Founder Principal of Namuna College of Fashion Technology; media personality and cultural activist Trilochan Pradhan; and former Miss Newa: Nepal Krisha Maharjan were felicitated for their contributions.
Since its inception, Miss Newa: Nepal has positioned itself as more than a conventional beauty pageant. Through language, culture, fashion and social engagement, the platform continues to give young Newa women an opportunity to celebrate their heritage while developing confidence, leadership and a stronger sense of social responsibility.
